White Elephant, also known as Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa, is a fun and popular party game played during the holiday season. It involves exchanging wrapped gifts, often funny or quirky, and provides a great opportunity for friends and family to have a good laugh. If you’re planning to host a White Elephant party, here are some steps to help you make it a memorable and enjoyable event.
1. Set the Rules
Before the party, it’s essential to establish the rules of the game. This will ensure everyone understands how the gift exchange works. Decide on the spending limit for the gifts and communicate it to all participants. Determine if there are any specific themes or types of gifts that should be included.
2. Invite the Guests
Send out invitations to your guests well in advance, providing all the necessary details about the date, time, and location of the party. Encourage them to bring a wrapped gift, keeping it a secret until the game begins. Let your guests know about the rules so they can come prepared.
3. Prepare the Gifts
As the host, you can contribute a few gifts to get the game started. Choose items that are interesting, funny, or unique. Make sure the gifts are well-wrapped to keep the surprise factor. Optionally, you can number the gifts to correspond with the order of the game.
4. Arrange the Seating
Set up a seating area for your guests where they can comfortably participate in the gift exchange. Arrange the chairs in a circle or around a table to create a sense of togetherness. Ensure there is enough space for everyone to move around during their turn.
5. Explain the Rules
At the beginning of the game, explain the rules to all the guests. Briefly describe how the gift exchange will take place and mention any special rules or twists you have incorporated. Emphasize the importance of fairness and good sportsmanship throughout the game.
6. Determine the Order
To determine the order of gift selection, you can have each participant draw numbers from a hat. The person with number one starts the game by choosing a wrapped gift from the pile. As the game progresses, each subsequent player can either choose a new gift or steal one from a previous player.
7. Start the Game
Once the order is established, the game begins! The first person selects a gift from the pile and opens it for everyone to see. The following players can then either “steal” a previously opened gift or choose an unopened one from the pile. Set a limit on the number of times a gift can be stolen.
8. Allow Stealing
One of the exciting aspects of White Elephant is the option to steal a gift from another participant. If someone’s gift is stolen, they have the chance to either steal from someone else or choose a new gift from the pile. This adds an element of surprise and strategy to the game.
9. Keep the Game Going
The game continues until everyone has had a turn or until a predetermined number of rounds have been completed. Remember, each gift can only be stolen a certain number of times. At the end, the first person who went can choose to keep their gift or steal a gift from another player.
10. Have Fun!
Above all, the most important aspect of White Elephant is having fun. Enjoy the laughter, jokes, and excitement as the gifts are unwrapped and exchanged. Encourage your guests to embrace the lightheartedness of the game and create lasting memories together.
By following these steps, you can successfully host an entertaining White Elephant party that will be enjoyed by all. Remember, it’s not about the value of the gifts but the joy of sharing laughter and creating memorable moments with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How To Do White Elephant: The Ultimate Guide To An Unforgettable Gift Exchange
What Is White Elephant And How To Play It?
White Elephant is a gift exchange game where participants swap and steal presents in a fun and festive atmosphere.
What Are The Basic Rules Of White Elephant?
The basic rules of White Elephant include setting a gift budget, determining the order of gift selection, and allowing participants to steal presents from one another.
How Many Gifts Should I Bring For A White Elephant Party?
Typically, it’s recommended to bring one wrapped gift per person participating in the White Elephant gift exchange.
Can I Set A Theme For The White Elephant Gifts?
Setting a theme for the White Elephant gifts can add an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the game, but it is not mandatory.